The Parkway Can't Help It

Poster by R. Black

In August 2005, I booked one of my favorite movies, The Girl Can't Help It (1956) the ultimate '50s rock 'n' roll sex comedy ,starring Jayne Mansfield, Tom Ewell, and Edmond O'Brien, with musical performances by Little Richard, Fats Domino, The Platters, Eddie Cochran, Gene Vincent, Julie London and many other pop luminaries of the era, shot in widescreen Deluxe color and directed by the great Frank Tashlin.  Since it was Thrillville, Jake, I added live burlesque by The Devil-Ettes - frequent guests and one of the Bay Area's most popular troupes - to the already busy bill. Artist R. Black contributed a fantastic poster which remained in the lobby through the duration of The Parkway's existence. You probably remember it, hanging right near the men's bathroom...

"Scheme C6" starred my wife Monica Cortes Viharo
in the female lead

Additionally, legendary local filmmaker Rob Nilsson (Chalk, Heat and Sunlight, Signal 7), an old friend of ours, wanted to make the final film in his gritty, streetwise, cinéma vérité style 9@Night series, called Go Together (2007) at The Parkway, with me in a cameo as myself, "Will the Thrill," and Monica not only playing "the Tiki Goddess" on stage, but reprising her role of "Yve," the sexy female lead of an earlier film in the series, Scheme C6 (2001). My father, actor Robert Viharo, had a recurring role in this series as well, including Go Together. So Rob set up cameras and shot footage of me hosting this particular show, including The Devil-Ettes' performance, to incorporate into the movie, in which I was actually hosting a porno festival! Not much of a stretch. I improvised some bits which later wound up in the final cut, and the audience went along with it. Later, Rob shot a bunch of scenes for the movie privately during the daytime, with Parkway patrons volunteering to play "the audience." The late David Hess, star of the grindhouse classic The Last House on the Left (1972), played a bum in the Parkway alley! But most of my scenes were filmed at this show, which I called "Thrillville's Rockin' Bombshell Revue." It sold out and was quite a memorable experience - but not all for the reasons already mentioned.

The Devil-Ettes - who needs a movie?

The night before the gig, the 35mm print for The Girl Can't Help It was dropped off in our lobby, cutting it pretty close to showtime. Our projectionist popped open the can and discovered only two reels - three were simply missing. That was pretty much most of the movie! Panic quickly set in. At the time, Girl wasn't on DVD yet, but I did have a bootleg VHS copy in my private collection. Unfortunately, that would have to do...so there I was with a packed house, a film crew shooting live footage for an indie flick, and a movie on the big screen that I taped off TV. Thankfully sans commercials. Still pretty ghetto. I promised the audience this wasn't the usual practice at The Parkway, and being regular patrons, they were already accustomed to such unexpected mishaps. In their typical forgiving spirit, the crowd rolled with the circumstances, and nobody left and everyone had fun. It was simply a great night - and so was the premiere of Go Together at The Parkway a couple of years later. Here's to all you patient people. Cheers.

At the Mill Valley Film Festival screening of "Go Together" (2007)

Remembering Ray Dennis Steckler

Poster by Miles Goodrich

Some of my favorite memories of The Parkway are when my friend Ray Dennis Steckler appeared in Thrillville and literally took over the show. Ray is famous amongst cult movie fans for such grindhouse gems as The Incredibly Strange Creatures Who Stopped Living and Became Mixed-Up Zombies (1963), The Thrill Killers (1964), Lemon Grove Kids Meet the Monsters (1965), and Rat Pfink a Boo Boo (1966), all of which I proudly presented with Ray in person over the years. He would haul his own 35mm prints to the Bay Area from his home in Las Vegas, where he ran his own video store. He even made professionally edited, full length documentaries about these live shows which he sold, inserting vintage film clips into the footage he shot at The Parkway as well as the shows we did at the Fine Arts Theater in Berkeley, also sadly defunct. Ray loved to meet the fans and always regaled audiences with long-winded but riveting tales of guerilla filmmaking back in the day. He was a true independent, long before that designation became trendy. He often brought special guests like frequent co-star Herb Robins, who was hilarious, and his old editor Keith Wester, who went on to an Oscar-nominated career. 

At the Fine Arts, Berkeley

My biggest pleasure was chasing Ray around the theater during a screening while wearing one of his original "Mummy" outfits, waving a plastic axe, and Ray donned the trademark hoodie of his cinematic alter ego, "Cash Flagg." During one of our most successful gigs together, Valentine's Day with Ray Dennis Steckler on February 14, 2002, my friend Mick Turpel of Barely Legal Productions and I were chasing Ray through the screaming audience in a sold-out house as Incredibly Strange Creatures was playing - and the fragile film suddenly snapped. Ray got up on stage and said jovially, "Story of my life!" Then he entertained the folks with more crazy true stories while the projectionist taped the frail print back together. This happened a couple of more times that night, too. One of my very favorite nights at The Parkway.

Gorilla X, "Cash Flagg," and Jello Biafra!

Sadly, Ray passed away on January 7, 2009 - the same exact day as another Thrillville/Parkway regular, Creature Features host Bob Wilkins. The irony was bitter and seemingly foreshadowed the abrupt closing of The Parkway only a couple of months later, on March 22, 2009. The sudden, complete end of an era.

I donated the 35mm prints Ray had left with me, Incredibly Strange Creatures (under its alternate title, Teenage Psycho Meets Bloody Mary) and The Thrill Killers (also under its alternate title, The Maniacs Are Loose) to the Pacific Film Archive in Berkeley, where they will be preserved for posterity. To my knowledge (and Ray's), no other 35mm  prints of these classics exist.

So my pal Ray won't be appearing at The New Parkway, except in spirit. Here's to the other Bob and Ray. Cheers. (Watch Ray's "documentary" of his first show at The Parkway from August 2000 here, and of his epic Valentine's Show at The Parkway here.)

Horror Host Palooza!

Over the years hosting, programming and producing Thrillville at The Parkway, I had the honor of sharing the big stage with many professional "horror hosts," besides Bob Wilkins and John Stanley of Creature Features fame (more on those epic shows here). While I met many of them via the Creature Features reunions at The Parkway, we continued to network and present separate "spook shows" and fright festivals throughout the year. I never considered myself a "horror host" per se - more like a B movie beatnik lounge lizard - which is why I've pretty much retired the fez to pursue my true passion, writing. But these folks are hardcore. They are living their dreams, and it was always a pleasure both for the audience and me when they co-hosted Thrillville. 

Posters by Strephon Taylor

In October 2005, I decided to assemble them all like The Avengers of Schlock for one big Halloween show, which I called "Horror Host Palooza." I called together Thrillville regulars Mister Lobo of Cinema Insomnia, Ms. Monster and her Melons, and Dr. Goulfinger, along with my Midwest doppelganger Rock 'n' Roll Ray, Cleveland's Son of Ghoul, and a dude named Adam Strange from LA, for 35mm screenings of Al Adamson's Dracula vs. Frankenstein (1971) and Ted V. Mikels' Astro Zombies (1968) - a particularly sleazy double bill, of which I was quite proud - along with live theremin by Robert Silverman, yet another frequent and popular Thrillville guest. It was such a smash hit that I put together a couple of more Horror Host Paloozas after that, with John Stanley and Bob Wilkins joining the gang. 

I plan on bringing back a lot of my fearsome friends to guest host Thrillville Theater at The New Parkway on Sunday evenings, including guys I never had a chance to work with while The Parkway was open, like Johnny Legend and Lord Blood-Rah. I may show up and present a movie now and then, but by and large, I'm retired from that scene. I'm leaving it to the professionals. Cheers.

Mr. Lobo emerges from the pod...

With Lobo and Bob Wilkins

Ms. Monster and her Melons!

Son of Ghoul and John Stanley

With Son of Ghoul and Rock 'n' Roll Ray

Live theremin by Robert Silverman!

Bikers Invade The Parkway

The Devil-Ettes at Thrillville's Honeymoon Show,
 June 2001

The East Bay Rats often frequented The Parkway, especially on 2 for 1 Wednesdays, and I spotted more than a few Hell's Angels at the the theater over the years. They always parked their bikes outside, though, per the law and all. Very respectful and polite.

But on two separate occasions, I actually allowed - make that encouraged - local biker gangs to bring their bikes inside the main theater, park them along the stage, and on cue, rev their engines. Call me crazy. I hear it often. Mostly for jazz like this. But The Parkway was that kinda place. It fostered insanity, er...creativity.

Poster by Strephon Taylor

The first time I pulled this stunt was for my big Thrillville Honeymoon Show (actually shows, since we did it twice in one evening) on June 21, 2001. Monica Tiki Goddess and I had just returned from Hawaii after tying the knot at the Cal-Neva Lodge in Tahoe, and we wanted to celebrate in Thrillville, since that's how we initially met. I booked a rare 35mm print of Ted V. Mikels' classic She Devils on Wheels (1968) from The Werepad, and for live entertainment we had legendary local burlesque troupe The Devil-Ettes, along with a Oakland's famous female biker gang The Devil Dolls, who wheeled their hogs through the lobby or via the side theater door, lined them up along the stage, and right before the movie began.....vrrrrooom! Twice. It was such a blast, so to speak, I did it again later for a sold-out Thrillville screening of Easy Rider (1969).

I seriously doubt this was legal. Don't expect this experience to be replicated at The New Parkway. At least not by me, anyway. I don't want to push my luck...cheers.

(See video of the infamous Honeymoon Show here.)

Elvis Lives!...at The Parkway

The King and I

I love Halloween and Christmas, but for Monica Tiki Goddess and me, our very favorite holidays of the year are Elvis B-Day (January 8) and Elvis D-Day (August 16), the anniversaries of The King's birth and "disappearance," respectively.  My wife Monica and I first met at The Parkway on May 31, 1997, when I was hosting Jailhouse Rock (1957) in The Midnight Lounge and picked her out of the audience to spin my big wheel, so to speak. I had been hosting Elvis B-Day and Elvis D-Day parties at various venues around the East Bay since the early '90s, often sponsored by the Elvis-friendly computer company 42 Inc. Monica and I officially met  (i.e. started dating) months after our initial Parkway encounter at my Elvis B-Day party at the Ivy Room in Albany, on January 8, 1998. She remembered me as the Parkway dude who gave her an Elvis blanket as a reward for her sexy wheel-spinning, and I remembered her as the hot babe with the tattoo of a Navajo symbol that read "Elvis." She got the gigs of both lovely assistant and wife, and has been spinning my wheel ever since.

Impersonator contest...

The Midnight Lounge was the original name of my weekly cult movie show at The Parkway before it suddenly morphed into the B-movie/burlesque extravaganza known as Thrillville on January 8, 1999 with a "prime time" screening of Viva Las Vegas (1964), one of the greatest nights ever in my so-called "career" as "Will the Thrill." The crowd just went totally nuts over the cosmic, combustible combination of Elvis and Ann-Margret. After that surprise smash, I moved the gig permanently to Thursday nights, where it remained for the duration of its run, with much bigger audiences, unlike my early, sparsely attended Saturday midnight shows (replaced by the much more successful Rocky Horror Picture Show presented by Barely Legal Productions). 

I decided to host all my annual Elvis B-Day and D-Day parties at The Parkway following that  fateful screening of Viva Las Vegas. Once we even got Elvis's blonde co-star in Jailhouse Rock, Jennifer Holden, to make a special appearance. She was a trip.

Me with Annie, Deborah Walley, Monica,
September 2000

Another memorable show: the time I brought up my stepmom Anne Helm, who co-starred with Elvis in Follow That Dream (1962), along with our friend Deborah Walley (Gidget Goes Hawaiian), who co-starred in Elvis's Spinout (1966). I managed to score a 35mm print of Spinout, and was pretty pleased about it - until I belatedly discovered, during the screening, that some jerk had cut out all of Elvis's musical numbers from the print, leaving us with his thespian talents only. I guess it was "the Director's Cut." Sadly, this was one of Deborah's final public appearances before she passed away the following year. She was a great lady.

With Cari Lee Merritt and The King

I was actually fortunate enough to meet, befriend and interview several "Elvis babes" via my connection with Annie, including Stella Stevens (1962's Girls! Girls! Girls!), Joan Blackman (Blue Hawaii, 1961; Kid Galahad, 1962), and the late, great Julie Parrish (Paradise, Hawaiian Style, 1966). 

At yet another revival of Jailhouse Rock, the unconventional, controversial and unpredictable performance artist known as "Extreme Elvis" showed up with his own throne (toilet), mooning the audience as he pulled down his jumpsuit and took a seat...

With Yvonne Craig and Gary Lockwood,
August 2000

For Elvis D-Day 2000, I showed a rare, faded 35mm print of the 1963 "classic" It Happened at the World's Fair with two of the original co-stars - Yvonne "Batgirl" Craig and Gary "2001/Star Trek" Lockwood - in person. Neither had ever even seen the film before! And they only lasted about 20 minutes with it this time before drifting out into the lobby to mingle with fans...But before that, I did get to sit on a Parkway sofa next to our pal Yvonne while Elvis tried to seduce her younger self on a big screen sofa as he serenaded her with the song "Relax." Definitely one of my favorite Parkway memories, obviously. (See video of our appearance on KTVU's Mornings on 2 to promote this show.) 

Anyway, I already have Viva Las Vegas booked for Thrillville Theater at The New Parkway on January 6, 2013. Perhaps history will repeat itself. Cheers and TCB.

Posters by Miles Goodrich

Monsters Attack Thrillville at The Parkway!

Gamera!

Mothra!

Today's entry will be more of a photo essay  since, like you, I am preparing for the holidays so this blog will be brief, at least word-wise. Below is a pictorial review of the many featured creatures who stomped across The Parkway stage and lobby during my Thrillville gig's twelve year run. These monsters and mutants may make return engagements at The New Parkway, so beware...cheers.

Gamera, guest wheel-spinner

Godzilla vs. Mothra!

Godzilla, August Ragone, Bob Johnson

Gorilla X vs. the Tiki Goddess!

Gorilla X vs. El Thrillermo!

It came from Cinema Insomnia!

Metaluna Mutant attacks the Tiki Goddess!

Tiki Goddess meets Tor!

Mega Fant!

Space Monster and Mega Fant vs. the Tiki Goddess!

Sayonara....

The Parkway's Annual Oscar Bash

Beginning in 1999, The Parkway began broadcasting the Academy Awards on both big screens, throwing our own customized, eccentric and insanely popular annual Oscar Bash.  For the price of a single admission, we offered free passed finger foods, champagne, a goodie bag, and live entertainment during the commericals.  At first it was just me as "Will the Thrill" and my lovely assistant (and eventual bride) Monica, Tiki Goddess hosting the festivities, running up and down the stairs, trying to quickly give away trivia/contest prizes while barely stopping to catch a breath. It was quite a workout. And Monica always wore high heels...

Finally, and fortunately for all concerned, our talented in-house troupe Barely Legal Productions, who presented The Rocky Horror Picture Show at the theater every week, took over the downstairs auditorium during the Oscars with elaborate musical stage shows and themed skits performed during the commercial breaks, while I was upstairs doing my vintage smartass lounge lizard schtick to a far less boisterous crowd. Basically it was like going to a Vegas casino with Cirque du Soleil playing the big room and Louis Prima and Keely Smith swingin' in the lounge. Always nice to have options. Same show on the screen, anyway.

Parkway founders/owners Kyle & Catherine Fischer
greet the sold out house, 2005

The Oscar Bash was one of our popular events, with advance tickets selling out seemingly within minutes of going on sale, year in, year out. Patrons dressed up for the various contests, including Most Glamorous ,Best Celebrity Lookalike, and my personal favorite, Best Cleavage. A grand time was had by all. Except for me. I hate the Oscars. IMO, movies should never be reduced to sporting events. But then I also hate sports and The Parkway also hosted annual Superbowl Parties (which I skipped, but nobody missed me, I'm sure). 

I hosted the Oscar Bash for many years because the audience was having so much fun and I considered the gig an extension of my Thrillville  responsibilities. But don't worry. I won't be showing for the Oscar parties at The New Parkway with my grumpy attitude. I'll be at home, watching movies that would never be remotely considered for any kind of award - none anyone would would be proud of, anyway. But you folks will have a blast! Let me know how it goes...Cheers.

"Papa-Palooza" at The Parkway!

Poster by Miles Goodrich

In the spring of 2007, The New Beverly Cinema in Los Angeles was in the midst of an incredible "grindhouse" film festival (as it usually is, actually), showcasing many rare 35mm prints provided by Quentin Tarantino from his private collection, curated by my friend Brian Quinn. And on my very birthday, April 2 (no gifts please - well, okay, why not), the movie just happened to be  Bare Knuckles (1977), starring my father, Robert Viharo, as "Zachary Kane, Modern Day Bounty Hunter," co-starring Sherry Jackson (from Danny Thomas's old TV series Make Room For Daddy) along with genre icons John Daniels and Gloria Hendry. Needless to say, I drove down and celebrated with a bunch of friends, including Parkway founders/owners Kyle and Catherine Fischer, and Pop himself.  Even the film's director, Don Edmonds, most infamous for the Nazisploitation masterpiece Ilsa, She Wolf of the SS, made one of his final public appearances before sadly passing away not long afterwards. Needless to say, it was one of the best birthdays ever.

Pop has starred in a number of notable movies over the years, including Valley of the Dolls (1967, as "The Director"), Villa Rides! (1967), as a Mexican revolutionary, alongside Yul Brynner, Robert Mitchum, and Charles Bronson; and Hide in Plain Sight (1980), as a gangster in a true story directed by and starring James Caan. But Bare Knuckles has always been my favorite. It's a bizarre hybrid of grindhouse, blaxploitation, kung fu, and serial killer cinema, with a soundtrack by a dude who normally scored porn flicks (in fact, the LP is quite a collector's item - I have two copies!). I've been championing this flick for years, and now Tarantino himself was finally giving it some overdue love and validation. On the big screen. In 35mm. It was my Thrillville Holy Grail, found at last. But would QT let me book it at The Parkway, with Pop in person? 

The short answer: yes, and yes.

Pop and me, Parkway, May 2008

On May 8, 2008, I hosted by final Thrillville show at The Parkway, since for various reasons (mainly dealing with projection issues, since the Cerrito had a change over system required for archival prints, detailed here), I was moving the show to Speakeasy Theater's new sister venue, The Cerrito. I called it "Papa-Palooza." QT's assistant shipped me the prints (gratis!) of both Bare Knuckles and another classic cult movie co-starring Pop, Return to Macon County (1975), wherein he played a crazy copy chasing Don Johnson and Nick Nolte through the rural '50s South. Since Pop showed up at The New Beverly he would just have to fly up and appear with my own screenings. And so he did.

Now let's be clear - Pop is not a B movie buff at all. These jobs were just paychecks to him. He's a serious artist and thespian. But bills are bills, and they must be paid by any means necessary. (Pop also guest starred - either as a bad guy or a crazy cop - in nearly every major TV cop show in the 70s and 80s, including The Mod Squad, Starsky and Hutch, Baretta, Kojak, CHiPs, Hill Street Blues, and The A-Team, to name a few). He never understood the pride I took in these particular career credits. But he showed up at this gig just to make me happy, and "Papa-Palooza," with live burlesque once again by The Twilight Vixen Revue, turned out to be one of the most memorable and unique programs I ever booked at The Parkway, and it remains one of the highlights of my so-called Thrillville "career." Cheers. 

(Watch video of the live stage show here.)